Trying to decide who you should start or sit this week? Let’s take a look at a few potential decisions owners have and try to sort through them:

QuarterbacksStart – Andy Dalton – Cincinnati Bengals – at JacksonvilleIt is the second consecutive week that Dalton finds himself on the start list. That’s what happens when you have thrown for 867 yards, 6 TD and 3 INT over the first three weeks of the season and face a Jaguars defense that is in the bottom half of the league in passing yards allowed (258.0 passing yards/game). He has thrown for 3 TD in each of the past two games and, with A.J. Green and Andrew Hawkins in place, there is no reason to think that he can’t continue to thrive.

Sit – Michael Vick – Philadelphia Eagles – vs. New York Giants
He is taking a beating and turning the ball over, which really doesn’t bode well when you are getting set to take on arguably the best defensive front in the NFL. Eagles’ quarterbacks have already been sacked 9 times, while Vick has thrown 6 interceptions and fumbled the ball 5 times (losing 3 of them). It wouldn’t be surprising to see the team attempt to go more run oriented to try and limit the damage he causes and give him a better opportunity. However, by doing that they also are limiting his potential value.

Running BacksStart – Cedric Benson – Green Bay Packers – vs. New Orleans
While both teams have a lot to play for, the Packers do appear to be in a better position after the way they lost on Monday night. While the passing attack is generally the focus, you have to think that they will look to exploit a Saints rushing defense that has allowed a staggering 215.0 yards per game over the first three weeks. While Benson has been up-and-down this season, the matchup is way too appealing to have him on your bench.

Start – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Cncinnati Bengals – at Jacksonville
The Jaguars have been a poor rushing defense, allowing 154.3 yards per game. Granted, the Bengals can easily feature more of a passing attack (led by Andy Dalton & A.J. Green), but you have to think that Green-Ellis is going to get a chance against a poor defense. He has scored in two of the first three weeks, so at the very least you have to think he can rush for 50+ yards and a score. That alone makes him a good option, but the potential is there for a much bigger day than that.

Start – Mikel Leshoure – Detroit Lions – vs. Minnesota
He clearly appeared to be the feature back in Week 3, with Kevin Sith completely falling off the radar. There is a little risk here, because the team’s plans are not completely known, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Leshoure featured heavily, especially with Matthew Stafford a bit banged up.

Sit – Ahmad Bradshaw – New York Giants – at Philadelphia
Will he be the featured back? The emergence of Andre Brown certainly sheds some doubt on that question. At the very least you have to think that the duo is going to share carries, in order to keep Bradshaw healthy. As part of an offense that is dynamic throwing the football, that puts Bradshaw at too much of a risk to trust

Sit – Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans – at Houston
Everyone’s favorite whipping boy at this point, Johnson has frustrated owners like no other. As a FLEX option I am not about to say that I wouldn’t consider him, but with the way he has struggled and taking on a Houston defense that is allowing 67.7 rushing yards per game (and have yet to allow a rushing touchdown), I would definitely go with a safer option.

Wide Receivers (Two-Receiver Formats)Start – Stevie Johnson – Buffalo Blls – vs. New England
With the ground game in question, the Bills draw a Patriots defense that s allowing 262.0 passing yards per game, putting them I the bottom ten of the league. As it is Johnson has scored in all three games this season and has a TD in three of his past four meetings with the Patriots.

Sit – Marques Colston – New Orleans Saints – at Green Bay
The foot injury is clearly a problem, as he has managed just 10 catches for 160 yards. Yes, there is potential, but the Saints also have numerous other options to depend on. While I wouldn’t ignore him in deeper formats, there is a bit too much risk involved in shallower ones.

Wide Receivers (Three-Receiver Formats)Start – Denarius Moore – Oakland Raiders – at Denver
With Darius Heyward-Bey out and the chance that Brandon Myers is forced to miss the game as well, this could easily be the week for Moore to shine. I mean, Oakland has to throw the ball somewhere, right? The Broncos have allowed 8 passing touchdowns, so the matchup is right there to go along with opportunity.

Sit – Justin Blackmon – Jacksonville Jaguars – vs. Concinnati
We all know the potential, but until he actually shows us something it is impossible to trust him. Just keep him stashed for now.

7 comments

I’m loaded with RBs in a league where we can only start two: Mathews, Charles, Green-Ellis, Martin, LeShoure, Benson. I’m working on a trade but pretty sure that no matter who I start this week I’m gonna be disappointed! I can’t start anyone other than Mathews + Charles, right? RIGHT?